Good morning... Many related to yesterday's post, "Assembly required." Do we not all have moments when we feel disjointed, disconnect, disassembled, pulled apart by life's pressures, life's deadlines, life's have-to-s and musts? I remember a quote from Sue Bender's book Plain and Simple, "Between all the givens, there is freedom." Parting like the Red Sea my normal givens, God [...]
Good morning... I was woken by an weird image. Just like I did, you will probably crinkle up your nose and ask "What does this mean, God?" The image was fleeting. The image was anxiety provoking. The image was of a portable stadium seat (the padded kind used at sporting events) folded into pieces, disassembled, being held in a [...]
Good morning... "I haven't had a chance to tell you that I passed along to my sister Betty Skinner's story captured in The Hidden Life (complete with my notes and highlights). She divorced this year after over 30 years of marriage. In a recent letter (on paper, with a stamp and everything!) she said, 'I feel like you have [...]
Good morning… There are people in life who touch our soul and leave a mark, an imprint, a lasting impression. Unique. Authentic. A life changing original. One such dynamic person has shaped my life profoundly from the tattered pages of a beloved book, The Hidden Life: Revelations from a Holy Journey. Betty Walthour Skinner, born this very day ninety [...]
Good morning... Following yesterday's post, "Fitting in is not belonging," a wise, dear friend wrote: "Reading your post reminded me that we spend our lives searching for significance (belonging and being loved), yet God made us not to be significant, but influential. Significance glorifies us; influencing others for Christ, glorifies Him." "Your reference to '5th grade angst' hit home. [...]
Good morning... Following my post on 2.2.16, "This is who you are," I received a very touching, heartfelt email from a friend. "I've copied your blessing from today. It is a much needed reminder this morning as I guide my daughter through a very difficult situation." She went on to explain that her daughter was not welcomed into the [...]
Good morning... One reason I love being deeply connected to a church is the changing seasonal rhythms I am led through each year. At staff meeting this week, one of our Associate Pastors shared his growing desire to consider Easter morning the kick off of the spiritual year for our church family. My Spirit resonated with his comments as [...]
Good morning... This chain letter phenomenon is becoming divinely comical (see my blog posts from 1.28.16, 1.29.16, and 1.30.16). I guess God does use this mysterious online vehicle to meander into open hearts. Be amazed with me at the email I received yesterday from a friend. "Dear Sue... I do not like receiving those pass-long emails either. A part [...]
Good morning... God's Spirit has sparked many sounds in church. Choir anthems. Crying babies. Inspired sermons. Laughter. Silence. Guitar. By far the most unexpected sound I have ever heard in a sanctuary, God's breath and these "bottle boys" capture divine creativity. Touch here to smile to a joyful noise: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/NkbZlautuUc?rel=0 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of [...]
Good morning... This weekend, I was touched deeply by a strong, gentle voice reading aloud these words. I was touched deeply enough to ask later for a copy of the blessing, a blessing I now quietly, lovingly pass along to you. an image of God born of God's breath vessel of divine love after his likeness dwelling of God [...]
